To help newcomers feel at home and assist them with their transition to a new community, Immigration Partnership Saskatoon is hosting the second annual “Welcoming Week’, lasting until September 22nd.

Spokeswoman for Welcoming Week Jasmin Calix says the festivities will feature an array of free events, including several Family Story Times and a ride on the Prairie Lily.

“There will be some nature-related events at the zoo, a citizenship ceremony and art show showcasing newcomer artists, and there will also be a senior social,” Calix explains.

She says the events are free of charge and offered in numerous neighborhoods around Saskatoon, so everyone can take part.

“Many immigrants leave everything behind and come here and made this their new home, and so it’s really an opportunity not just for immigrants to attend these events, but really the whole community. We have the duty as residents here to help them feel welcome in their new home.”

Between 2011 and 2016, 18,585 newcomers to Canada moved to Saskatoon. As of 2016, 15.6 per cent of Saskatoon’s residents were foreign born.

The schedule of Welcoming Week events can be found here.